2',7'-Dichlorofluorescein | 76-54-0

2’,7’-Dichlorofluorescein (DCF) is a chlorinated derivative of fluorescein, a compound that is widely used as a fluorescent tracer and dye due to its bright green fluorescence and high quantum yield. Structurally, DCF contains two chlorine atoms attached to the fluorescein backbone at the 2’ and 7’ positions, which influence its optical and chemical properties. DCF itself is generally non-fluorescent until it undergoes cellular processes or chemical reactions that enable its conversion to a fluorescent form. This characteristic makes it useful in various biochemical and analytical applications.

One of the primary applications of 2’,7’-Dichlorofluorescein is in the detection and measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within biological systems. When DCF is oxidized by ROS, it transforms into the highly fluorescent 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), making it a valuable tool for monitoring oxidative stress in cells and tissues. This process is crucial for studying the effects of oxidative stress-related diseases and assessing the efficacy of antioxidant therapies.

Additionally, 2’,7’-Dichlorofluorescein is utilized in cellular imaging techniques due to its ability to penetrate cell membranes. Once inside the cells, it can react with intracellular ROS to emit fluorescence, thereby serving as a vital tool for visualizing cellular events and mechanisms in real-time. This application is especially pertinent in research involving cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging, where oxidative stress plays a significant role.

In environmental science, DCF finds application as a marker to assess the oxidative potential of various environmental samples. It helps in evaluating the presence of pollutants and their impact on oxidative stress in aquatic ecosystems. This is achieved by measuring the fluorescence signal resulting from the interaction between DCF and ROS in the sample, which provides insights into the sample’s oxidative properties.

Lastly, DCF is instrumental in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in drug development and screening. By using DCF-based assays, researchers can rapidly assess the oxidative properties of new drug compounds and their potential cytotoxic effects. This accelerates the identification of promising therapeutic agents and helps in optimizing their safety and efficacy profiles before clinical trials.